UPSaclay
Founded by the merger of universities, colleges and research organisations in the south of Paris, Université Paris-Saclay is one of the leading universities in Europe and the world in the fields of science and engineering, life sciences and health, and human and social sciences. Its scientific policy closely combines research and innovation and is expressed in both basic and applied sciences to address major societal challenges.
From the first cycle to the doctorate, through the programmes of the grandes écoles, the Université Paris-Saclay offers an education in a wide range of disciplines, at the service of student success and professional integration. It prepares students for a changing society where critical thinking, agility and the ability to renew skills are keys. The Université Paris-Saclay also offers a rich programme of lifelong learning.
The Paris-Saclay Multimodal Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, BioMaps, has been investigating MRI for lung pathophysiology first using hyperpolarised helium-3 and more recently 3D MR spirometry. More generally, BioMaps aims to address the need for new tools to explore pathophysiological processes, for diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation. This need is largely driven by precision medicine. Imaging biomarkers have a remarkable potential to address these associated challenges.
UPSaclay role in V|LF-Spiro3D
In Work Package 1 (WP1), UPSaclay is designing an MR-compatible spirometer, contributing to the development of pulse sequences for 3D MR spirometry, and actively participating in the acquisition and the analysis of dynamic lung MRI data. They support the implementation of clinical research protocols in the French hospitals and will carry 3D MR spirometry on 30 healthy, 30 COPD patients, and 60 asthmatic patients. Their foundational efforts are laying the groundwork for precise imaging and accurate data interpretation.
UPSaclay is leading the Work Package 2 (WP2) where it is heavily involved in lung biomechanical modelling, investigating determinants and biomarkers, and spearheading data processing, validation, and visualisation for 3D MR spirometry. Their multifaceted involvement significantly advances the understanding of lung mechanics and pathophysiology.
In Work Package 3 (WP3), UPSaclay continues to play a vital role, leading crucial tasks related to hardware development and acquisition strategies for very-low-field (VLF) and low-field (LF) MRI. Their contributions to the design of acquisition strategies and pulse sequences are pivotal for achieving dynamic 3D lung imaging at V|LF.
UPSaclay is also taking the lead on key aspects of Work Package 4 (WP4). It is committed to effective project communication, dissemination, and creative exploration, enriching the interdisciplinary fabric of the project.
Additionally, UPSaclay is playing a central role in ensuring effective project management and coordination, and leading the dissemination, exploitation, and communication efforts, with an emphasis in data curation, as part of Work Package 5 (WP5).
Finally UPSaclay is working closely with the Ethics Committee, consisting of three independent external experts who will manage all the ethical aspects and potential related issues in the project, as part of Work Package 5 (WP6).
